During 2004-2005, the Museum continued its commitment to the
conservation of natural resources through improved energy
management and the implementation of a number of other initiatives
aimed at minimising the impact on the environment from its
operations. The table below details the Museum's activities during
2004-2005.

Paragraph Item

Requirement

Activity/contribution

Paragraph 516A(6)(a)

How the activities of the organisation accord with the
principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD)

The Museum's Environmental Management Policy, currently in final
development, highlights the Museum's commitment to operate within
the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development wherever
possible.
The Museum has developed an Environmental Management System that
meets or exceeds the requirements of ISO14001, to assist all staff
to undertake their work in a manner that minimises the risk to the
environment. The EMS is in its final trial stage and is expected to
be implemented in the first quarter of 2005-2006. The promotion of
ecologically sustainable development is woven through the content
of the Museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as its
programs designed for students, its public programs and its
administrative and decision-making processes.

Examples include the Tangled Destinies gallery, which emphasises
the interrelationship between humans and the environment and where
a recent changeover saw the installation of a new module,
Australians Living Inland, which explores the relationship
of three communities, Kalgoorlie, Wagga Wagga and Alice Springs, to
their environment and water sustainability. Public programs
included forums such as Pass the Salt that explored how museums can
contribute to conversations about caring for the land and
responding to salinity.

The Museum continues to contribute, wherever possible, to the
protection and improvement of the Canberra environment via its
partnerships with the Australian National University, Australian
National Botanic Gardens, CSIRO Black Mountain, Environment ACT,
Lower Sullivan's Creek Catchment Group and the National Capital
Authority.

The Lower Sullivan's Creek Catchment ecological survey is an
ongoing project that the Museum contributes to both expertise and
funding. This nationally significant project aims to develop a
bio-diversity management plan for the Lower Sullivan's Creek
Catchment area.

Paragraph item

Requirements

Activity/contribution

Paragraph 516A(b)

How the administration of legislation by the organisation
accorded with the principles of ESD

The Museum's functions, as set out in the National Museum of
Australia Act 1980, continue to remain consistent with the
spirit of ESD principles. These include programs that 'improve the
total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that
maintains the ecological processes on which life depends'.

Fundamentally, the Museum's functions are to:

develop and maintain a national collection of historical
material

exhibit historical material from the National Historical
Collection or historical material that is otherwise in the
possession of the Museum

exhibit material that relates to Australia's past, present and
future

conduct research relating to Australian history

disseminate information relating to Australian history

Also see (a) above

Paragraph 516A(6)(c)

How the outcomes specified for the organisation in an
Appropriations Act contribute to ESD

The outcome specified for the National Museum in the
Government's 2004-2005 Portfolio Budget Statement is that:

'Australians have access to the National Museum's collections
and public programs to encourage awareness and understanding of
Australia's history and culture.'

Whilst not directly contributing to ESD, an increased awareness
and understanding of Australia's history and culture by the public,
is still relevant to ESD principles.

Paragraph 516A(6)(d)

The effect of the organisation's activities on the
environment

The Museum's activities have the potential to affect the
environment through consumption of energy, waste production, and
the impact on local waterways, flora and fauna.

See (e) below

Paragraph 516A(6)(d)

The effect of the organisation's activities on the
environment

Various strategies have been put in place to reduce the Museum's
environmental impact.
These strategies, along with relevant targets and objectives, have
been developed as part the Museum's Environmental Management
System.

These include the reduction of energy consumption, increase in
waste recycling, and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning
chemicals.

Reduction of energy consumption: The Museum's energy
monitoring system allows independent monitoring of the heating,
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to enable accurate
tracking of energy usage across the Acton site. Ongoing monitoring
will provide quantifiable historical data that will assist in the
revision of system operation and in the development of energy
management strategies.

Installation of a new low load chiller at the Acton site to
provide a more energy efficient operation of the chilled water
system. The installation is expected to be completed early in the
new year and will also enhance the Museum's back-up capacity in the
system.

The continuing program to change lighting in the exhibition and
administration areas, by replacing 50-watt dichroic lighting with
35-watt lighting that provide a broader light output at a reduced
lux level, is expected to lead to a reduction in energy
consumption. The energy monitoring system will allow tracking of
energy usage in some of these areas.

Re-programming of lighting control systems and the use of lower
wattage lighting in the Hall were further steps taken to reduce
energy consumption. These measures have also resulted in increased
lamp life and improved lighting conditions on cloudy days. This
methodology will continue to be extended throughout the galleries
and operational areas within the Museum during 2005-2006.

The Museum's energy monitoring system will also allow tracking
of changes in energy usage when operational and control strategies
are revised.

Recycling: An ongoing review of the Museum's recycling
program has led to an increased paper, toner cartridge and
glass/plastic bottles recycling in the administration areas.

Further assessment of the function and aesthetics of the triple
bins proposed for use in the restaurant/café areas was
required. These are now expected to be installed in the first half
of 2005-2006.

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Chemicals: All cleaning
chemicals used by the Museum's cleaning contractors continue to
meet the specifications set out in AS/ANZ ISO 14001:1996
'Environmental Management Systems - Specification with guidance for
use' and AS/ANZ ISO 14004:1996 'Environmental Management Systems -
General guidelines of principles, systems, and supporting
techniques'

Paragraph 516A(6)(f)

The mechanisms (if any) for reviewing and increasing the
effectiveness of those measures

The Museum's Environmental Management System is in the final
trial stage and is expected to be implemented across the Museum in
the first quarter of 2005-2006. The EMS incorporates guidelines for
all Museum activities to reduce its impact on the environment well
as promote efficient use of resources management of energy, waste
and water on Acton Peninsula and Mitchell sites. A review mechanism
is an integral part of this System.

The Energy Monitoring System will now allow the Museum to review
the effectiveness of the programmed lighting changes that have
already been implemented in the Museum.